| About Fancy Color
Diamonds
Most diamonds of value are thought to have a lack
of color or colorless but diamonds with strong color, or fancy color diamonds, are more rare and often more valuable. Fancy
colored diamonds come is many colors such as yellows, reds, pinks,
blues, greens, purples and many shades in between. The rarest
are pink and red.
The fancy color in diamonds is produced during the
diamond formation from many factors such as impurities , trace
elements or radiation affecting the diamonds creation.
How are fancy color diamonds graded?
Fancy color diamonds are grades in 2 ways: "hue" and
"intensity." "Hue" is the basic color of
the diamond, yellow, blue, green etc. "Intensity" is
the degree to which the color is present. The more intense the
color, the rarer and more expensive the diamond.
GIA uses nine categories for fancy color diamond grades
- Faint
(L-N)
- Very Light
(O-V)
- Light
(W-Z)
- Fancy Light
(Past Z)
- Fancy
- Fancy Intense
- Fancy Vivid
What about clarity in fancy color diamonds?
Clarity is not as important a factor in fancy color diamonds
as in white or colorless diamonds. In fact, many color grading
certificates only grade the color of the diamond and not the
clarity.
Many times feathers or small crystal inclusions appear the same
color as the diamond and don't diminish the coloring of the diamond.
In some circumstances they may create the appearance of more
brilliance.
As long as the diamond is considered "eye clean" to an
untrained eye clarity is not as crucial. However, fancy color diamonds with clarities of VS or better are more rare and
command a higher price.
Color treatments in fancy color diamonds
Irradiated diamonds are a common form of treating not so colored
diamonds to appear fancy in color. This is done through
irradiation followed by high heat. This process is usually
permanent, but may change is high heat is used during setting
or repairs.
Gemesis cultured man made colored diamonds are grown in a laboratory
to make them affordable. Natural diamond of similar color are
much more expensive.
How do I choose the right fancy color diamond?
At Diamonds and Engagement Rings.com we try to make your diamond
buying experience as easy as possible. The best thing to do is
call and speak with one of our fancy color diamond experts.
We can discuss your budget and options to help you choose the
perfect diamond. Since fancy color diamonds are very rare
every piece is unique in itself. Whether you are buying a $500
ring or a $50,000 ring we understand that ring is special to you.
Our diamonds are all 100% natural untreated diamonds unless you are
told otherwise. Your investment in a natural fancy color
diamond is secure.
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